Date:17/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/17/stories/2004121700411500.htm

International

LTTE committed to truce, peace envoy tells Kumaratunga

By V.S. Sambandan

COLOMBO, DEC. 16. The Norwegian Special Envoy for Sri Lanka's peace process, Erik Solheim, today urged Colombo and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to "exercise maximum restraint," particularly against the backdrop of a continuing deadlock in the stalled peace negotiations.

Mr. Solheim, who met the Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, today briefed her on his discussions with the LTTE's chief negotiator, Anton S. Balasingham, earlier this month in London.

Mr. Solheim "assured the President that the LTTE remained committed to maintaining the ceasefire agreement," the President's office said. "However, he urged that both parties should exercise the maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could be interpreted as provocations, especially at a time when peace negotiations are not taking place," the President's office said.

Situation reviewed

Ms. Kumaratunga "reviewed developments" since the visit by the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jan Petersen, last month, and "regretted that certain statements and actions had not helped to create a climate of mutual confidence." The Foreign Affairs Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, the Secretary-General of the Peace Secretariat, Jayantha Dhanapala and Foreign Secretary, H.M.G.S. Palihakkara accompanied the President, during the discussions.

Anthrax scare

Earlier in the day, the Norwegian embassy here was closed down following an anthrax scare.

According to sources, a powder, suspected to be anthrax arrived by post at the embassy.

The packet has been sent for investigations. Ms. Kumaratunga has ordered the police to provide the embassy "the fullest protection."